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Reuters
10-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Oura ring maker faces trio of stock option lawsuits by ex-promoters. What happened?
July 9 (Reuters) - What do a former NFL quarterback, a prominent doctor and a marketing expert have in common? They all say they cut deals to promote health-tracking smart ring Oura in exchange for stock options worth millions of dollars that the company later refused to honor. And now, they all are suing. Disputes over the valuation of stock options — considered the lifeblood of Silicon Valley — are not rare. But the three separate cases, including a claim by former Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, against San Francisco-based Oura Ring and its Finnish parent Oura Health Oy present a thorny issue that courts across the country continue to grapple with. That is, when two parties agree to arbitrate in one context, how broadly does that stretch to cover other disputes? More specifically, how is it that despite similar allegations, Brees in late May was ordered, opens new tab by a San Francisco Superior Court judge to arbitrate his case in Helsinki under Finnish law, while a comparable suit by physician and writer Peter Attia survived review, opens new tab in March by the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals and is now proceeding in federal court in Oakland, California? Brees and Attia, as well as their outside counsel, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Oura or its lawyers from Buchalter and McMahon Serepca. To date, the litigation has focused more on procedural questions than the merits, but Oura in court papers, opens new tab has denied wrongdoing and said that its board of directors never authorized the stock option grants, making the deals invalid. The most recent suit was filed last week by marketer Gordy Bal, a Victoria, Canada-based author and founder of CTR Capital, and it lays out a now-familiar set of claims against Oura. According to the complaint, opens new tab filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Bal was an early investor in Oura, as well as serving as the company's 'primary marketing arm' in its early years as a cash-strapped start-up. Oura, which was founded in Finland in 2013, makes a smart ring that tracks health data such as heart rate, sleep stages and physical activity. In 2018, Bal said he invested 400,000 euros in Oura and also struck a deal with the company's then-CEO Harpreet Singh Rai to provide heavily discounted marketing and media services. In exchange, Bal said he got stock options that were contingent on Oura reaching certain sales targets. The privately held company went on to experience explosive growth. According to a press release, opens new tab, Oura after its latest round of financing was valued at $5.2 billion in December 2024. But when Bal last year tried to exercise his stock options — 670,841 common shares that he estimates are worth about $16 million — Oura 'formally indicated that it was unwilling and unable' to allow him to do so, his complaint alleges. 'All that my client wants is for Oura to honor its end of the bargain, since he honored his,' Susman Godfrey partner Jenna Farleigh, who represents Bal, told me. The first hurdle may be jurisdiction — and that's where Attia and Brees' fates have sharply diverged. Attia in 2023 was the first to file suit. Like Bal, the doctor invested in Oura and also provided advisory and promotional services in exchange for purported stock options. Oura in arguing, opens new tab Attia was required to arbitrate his claim pointed to its 'broad' shareholders agreement covering investments in the company. The agreement specifies the Finnish forum and choice of law and applies to disputes including the 'transfer of Equity Securities.' U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam in Oakland was not persuaded, ruling, opens new tab in 2024 that the arbitration provision didn't apply. In March, the 9th Circuit in an unpublished opinion, opens new tab upheld his decision. Attia 'agreed to arbitrate claims arising from his relationship as a shareholder, but not those arising in other contexts' such as his work as an adviser to Oura, Gilliam found. He likened the circumstances to the 9th Circuit's 2023 decision in Johnson v. Walmart, opens new tab. In that case, the appeals court held that just because a Walmart customer agreed to arbitrate disputes involving online purchases, that agreement didn't cover in-store engagements. Brees' lawsuit, opens new tab has played out differently. He sued in 2024 in San Francisco state court and successfully opposed removal to the Northern District of California. Brees alleges that in 2018, he signed a deal for what turned out to be more than 400,000 shares of stock for promoting the Oura ring. The company never actually tapped him to do any work, he acknowledges. Still, he said he was 'ready, willing, and able' to do so in claiming that he's entitled to the promised stock options. Like Bal and Attia, Brees signed a short options agreement that makes no mention of arbitration but does state that it incorporates the terms of Oura's "2018 equity plan." All parties agree there is no 2018 plan — it doesn't exist. But Oura did have a 2016 equity plan, which it revised in 2019, and both of those mandate arbitration. Good enough, Judge Harold Kahn, who retired in 2022 but continues to hear cases, ruled on May 29. The reference to the 2018 plan was 'a mistake,' he held in adopting Oura's proposed three-page order, opens new tab compelling arbitration and was 'objectively intended to be to either the 2016 equity plan or the 2019 equity plan.' What reasoning will carry the day in Bal's case remains to be seen, but the ramifications may go beyond a long flight to Helsinki for a hearing behind closed doors. According to Oura, under Finnish law only the board of directors – and not the CEO – of a Finnish company can approve the issuance of equity. If so, that would seem to support the company's defense that all the options grants are in fact invalid.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Biohacking Market Report 2025: Set to Surge from $24.5 Billion in 2024 to $111.3 Billion by 2034 as Preventive Healthcare and Wearables Gain Ground
Prominent Players Like Neuralink, Oura Health, WHOOP, Cyborg Nest, and Muse are Disrupting the Industry Dublin, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Biohacking Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to Global Biohacking Market was valued at USD 24.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.5% to reach USD 111.3 billion by 2034. Biohacking is emerging as a transformative trend at the intersection of science, technology, and self-improvement. It offers individuals the tools to take control of their physical and mental well-being through personalized interventions. From nutrition and sleep optimization to genetic engineering and implantable devices, the spectrum of biohacking is broad and constantly evolving. What's fueling this movement is the growing consumer shift toward preventive healthcare and performance are no longer waiting for symptoms to act - they're using real-time data and advanced health tools to preempt issues and enhance quality of life. As healthcare becomes more individualized, demand is rising for innovative solutions that allow users to monitor, analyze, and fine-tune their biological functions on their own terms. The rise in chronic illnesses, increasing healthcare costs, and growing access to affordable wearable tech are accelerating the adoption of biohacking practices worldwide. This trend is further amplified by social media, online health communities, and DIY biology groups that encourage experimentation and knowledge wearable technology segment generated USD 7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% through 2034. Users are increasingly turning to smartwatches, fitness bands, and smart rings to track vital metrics like sleep cycles, heart rate, brain activity, and daily performance levels. These devices offer personalized insights in real-time, helping users identify trends, make informed decisions, and tweak their daily routines for better health outcomes. By providing continuous tracking and actionable feedback, wearable tech is becoming an essential tool for individuals looking to upgrade their health and wellness journeys. The ability to detect early changes in physiological or cognitive states gives users the power to intervene early, adjust habits, and stay ahead of potential health terms of application, the diagnosis and treatment segment generated USD 7 billion and held a 28.4% market share in 2024. The growing global burden of chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease is pushing users to seek more control over their health. Through advanced sensors and home-based monitoring tools, biohackers can track glucose levels, hormone fluctuations, blood pressure, and more. This real-time data access supports early detection, encourages preventative care, and reduces dependency on traditional healthcare visits. It empowers users to make behavior and lifestyle changes based on precise health data, significantly lowering long-term health United States Biohacking Market generated USD 7.9 billion in 2023. The country's high incidence of chronic conditions continues to drive demand for advanced biohacking tools. Cutting-edge research from healthcare institutions, biotech firms, and startups fuels innovation across the space. Companies are increasingly focused on disease prevention, personalized health solutions, and next-gen technology of the prominent players in the Global Biohacking Industry include Neuralink, Oura Health Oy, WHOOP, Cyborg Nest, Muse, Cronometer, OpenBCI, Senseonics, Synbiota, Thync Global, Viome Life Science, Fitbit, TrackMyStack, Nuanic, OsteoStrong, and Proteus Digital Health. To stay competitive, these companies are heavily investing in research and development, launching next-gen wearable devices, expanding their product lines, and integrating AI-driven health platforms. Strategic partnerships, market expansion, and digital innovation remain key to engaging consumers and elevating brand value in this fast-growing Market Analysis and Forecast Industry trends, key growth drivers, challenges, future opportunities, and regulatory landscape Competitive landscape with Porter's Five Forces and PESTEL analysis Market size, segmentation, and regional forecasts In-depth company profiles, business strategies, financial insights, and SWOT analysis Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 132 Forecast Period 2024-2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $24.5 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $111.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.5% Regions Covered Global Key Topics CoveredChapter 1 Methodology and Scope1.1 Market scope and definitions1.2 Research design1.2.1 Research approach1.2.2 Data collection methods1.3 Base estimates and calculations1.3.1 Base year calculation1.3.2 Key trends for market estimation1.4 Forecast model1.5 Primary research and validation1.5.1 Primary sources1.5.2 Data mining sourcesChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 Industry 360 degree synopsisChapter 3 Industry Insights3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis3.2 Industry impact forces3.2.1 Growth drivers3.2.1.1 Rising prevalence of chronic diseases3.2.1.2 Technological advancements in biohacking3.2.1.3 Growing demand for wearable devices3.2.1.4 Increasing health awareness3.2.2 Industry pitfalls and challenges3.2.2.1 High costs of advanced devices3.2.2.2 Lack of skilled professionals3.3 Growth potential analysis3.4 Regulatory landscape3.5 Technological landscape3.6 Future market trends3.7 Porter's analysis3.8 PESTEL analysisChapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 20244.1 Introduction4.2 Company market share analysis4.3 Company matrix analysis4.4 Competitive analysis of major market players4.5 Competitive positioning matrix4.6 Strategy dashboardChapter 5 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Product, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)5.1 Key trends5.2 Wearable5.2.1 Wearable neurotech5.2.2 Oura ring5.2.3 Muse headband5.2.4 Other wearables5.3 Implants5.3.1 Blood test implant5.3.2 Circadia implant5.3.3 Cardiac and vascular implants5.3.4 Other implants5.4 Gene modification kits5.5 Smart drugs5.6 Supplements5.7 Mobile apps5.8 Other productsChapter 6 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)6.1 Key trends6.2 Synthetic biology6.3 Genetic engineering6.4 Forensic science6.5 Diagnosis and treatment6.6 Drug testing6.7 Other applicationsChapter 7 Market Estimates and Forecast, By End Use, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)7.1 Key trends7.2 Hospitals and clinics7.3 Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies7.4 Forensic laboratories7.5 Academic and research institutesChapter 8 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Region, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)8.1 Key trends8.2 North America8.2.1 U.S.8.2.2 Canada8.3 Europe8.3.1 Germany8.3.2 UK8.3.3 France8.3.4 Spain8.3.5 Italy8.3.6 Netherlands8.4 Asia Pacific8.4.1 China8.4.2 Japan8.4.3 India8.4.4 Australia8.4.5 South Korea8.5 Latin America8.5.1 Brazil8.5.2 Mexico8.5.3 Argentina8.6 Middle East and Africa8.6.1 South Africa8.6.2 Saudi Arabia8.6.3 UAEChapter 9 Company Profiles9.1 Cyborg Nest9.2 Cronometer9.3 Fitbit9.4 Muse9.5 Nuanic9.6 Neuralink9.7 OpenBCI9.8 OsteoStrong9.9 Oura Health Oy9.10 Proteus Digital Health9.11 TrackMyStack9.12 Thync Global9.13 Synbiota9.14 Senseonics9.15 Viome Life Science9.16 WHOOPFor more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
X-rays, mushrooms and more: The science riding on SpaceX's Fram2 astronaut mission around Earth's poles
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A new mission from SpaceX will soon send humans over Earth's poles for the first time ever. Launching no earlier than Monday (March 31), the privately funded, four-day Fram2 mission has quite a few tasks to accomplish in a short timespan. The Fram2 crew will be the first people to observe the polar regions from low Earth orbit, and they'll work on experiments and projects designed to forward our understanding of long-duration spaceflight. The mission will also mark the first time that crews have used an X-ray machine on humans in orbit. The mission is named after the ocean-going vessel "Fram," which Norwegian explorers used to explore both the Arctic and Antarctic regions in the late 1800s and early 1900s. (In Norwegian, "fram" means forward or onward.) "With the same pioneering spirit as early polar explorers, we aim to bring back new data and knowledge to advance the long-term goals of space exploration," Fram2 commander Chun Wang said in a statement. Fram2 will conduct 22 different research experiments during its time in orbit. Here's a rundown of some of the most interesting ones. Related: Meet the astronauts of SpaceX's Fram2 mission, the 1st to fly over Earth's poles "SpaceXray" will capture the first X-ray images of humans in space. "Egress" will look into astronauts' ability to carry out tasks like getting a landing vehicle in a safe configuration, as well as exiting the lander. "Blood Flow Restriction" will examine how astronauts can maintain muscle and bone health on long space missions . "Mission MushVroom" will be the first study centered around growing mushrooms in space, investigating a potential food source for astronauts traveling to Mars. A study that collaborates with Oura Health will examine astronauts' sleep patterns before, during and after spaceflight. A study using a mobile MRI device will look into how spaceflight alters brain anatomy. An experiment that could laid diabetic astronauts by studying glucose regulation in space and changes that occur due to microgravity. A health study will analyze how microgravity and space radiation impact female reproductive hormones. Additional activities include studies on blood and bone health, as well as motion sickness. RELATED STORIES: — SpaceX to launch 4 people on historic Fram2 mission over Earth's poles in late 2024 — SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronauts perform historic 1st private spacewalk in orbit (video) — Inspiration4: The first all-civilian spaceflight on SpaceX Dragon The four-person Fram2 mission will launch on the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Resilience. It will be the fourth liftoff for Resilience. "Much like Fridtjof Nansen, who led a groundbreaking logistical operation during his historic Fram expedition in the 1800s, the science and research projects onboard will inform how we prepare for future missions, ultimately helping make space more accessible to us all," Wang said in the statement, which provides more details about the 22 Fram2 experiments.
